Photos: Customs' unmanned border spy plane

The Heron spy plane, or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), was sent to Weipa, Queensland in a standard freight container, from which it is being removed in this shot.

Credit: Australian Customs Service

Published: May 26, 2008 -- 07:16 GMT (00:16 PDT)

Caption by: Suzanne Tindal

The lightweight carbon composite frame means the team can assemble the aircraft without a crane. Here, the wings are about to be bolted to the body.

Credit: Australian Customs Service

Published: May 26, 2008 -- 07:16 GMT (00:16 PDT)

Caption by: Suzanne Tindal

In one piece, the UAV lifts off.

Credit: Australian Customs Service

Published: May 26, 2008 -- 07:16 GMT (00:16 PDT)

Caption by: Suzanne Tindal

The satellite communications unit is housed in the mushroom-like form on the top, with the pot belly underneath containing the radar. Communications gear is kept in the nose.

Credit: Australian Customs Service

Published: May 26, 2008 -- 07:16 GMT (00:16 PDT)

Caption by: Suzanne Tindal

The aircraft sends its footage and radar information to the command centre in Weipa, where the aircraft is controlled from. It is a temporary structure, having also been transported in a container.

Credit: Australian Customs Service

Published: May 26, 2008 -- 07:16 GMT (00:16 PDT)

Caption by: Suzanne Tindal

The UAV is able to identify the size of ships using its radar. For ships over 300 gross tonnes, it picks up other information using their automatic identification system, which vessels of that size have to operate. Its speed can get as low as 65 knots, allowing it to get close shots of ships and their crew.

Credit: Australian Customs Service

Published: May 26, 2008 -- 07:16 GMT (00:16 PDT)

Caption by: Suzanne Tindal

The eight-metre long UAV is a Heron operated by Israel Aerospace Industries.